Daily Readings - Tue Oct 22 2019
Romans
12Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:13For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.14Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.15But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.16And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.17For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)18Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.19For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.20Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:21That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
Luke
35Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;36And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.37Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.38And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the profound interplay between sin, grace, and our relationship with God. In the first reading from Romans, St. Paul contrasts the legacy of Adam, through whom sin and death entered the world, with the gift of Christ, who brings justification and life. This passage reminds us that while sin has its consequences, God’s grace is far more abundant and transformative. The second reading from Luke’s Gospel calls us to vigilance and readiness, urging us to live as servants who are prepared to welcome the Lord at any moment. Together, these readings challenge us to embrace the gift of grace while living with purpose and watchfulness.
The context of today’s readings is deeply rooted in the theological themes of sin, redemption, and discipleship. In Romans, Paul is addressing the early Christian community, explaining how Christ’s obedience undoes the harm caused by Adam’s disobedience. This passage emphasizes the universal nature of sin and the even greater universality of God’s grace. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of being prepared for his return, using the metaphor of servants waiting for their master. This parable emphasizes the need for faithfulness and attentiveness in our daily lives.
These readings are connected by their focus on the transformative power of God’s grace and the call to live with intentionality. While Romans highlights the contrast between sin and grace, Luke’s Gospel challenges us to live in a way that reflects our gratitude for that grace. The moral lesson here is clear: we are called to trust in God’s mercy while striving to live as faithful stewards of the gifts we have received. By staying vigilant and rooted in grace, we can face life’s challenges with hope and confidence.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, let us remember that God’s grace is always available to us, even in our struggles and shortcomings. Let us also embrace the call to live with purpose, knowing that our actions have consequences and that we are called to be ready to meet the Lord at any moment. May we trust in the abundance of God’s grace and strive to live as faithful servants, prepared to welcome him into our lives.